Moving is a chore all by itself, but making sure your pet fares well in the adventure
requires extra planning. Read on for what to consider when choosing a rental — and how to make
the move as smooth as possible for your furry family member!

The pet-friendly rental

Finding a rental that takes pets is your first step in securing happy housing for you and your dog or cat.
You’ll want your new landlord to welcome you both with open arms, so be upfront with the fact that you
have a pet. You can go one further by having a pet resume at the ready. This is a document that includes
vaccination and spayed or neutered information (with supporting documents), references from past landlords,
neighbors, your veterinarian, obedience trainers and any other positive information that will make your pet shine.

Look for housing, ideally, with a fenced yard, in a neighborhood, which offers plenty of walking options and
perhaps a dog park. If you worry about your dog or cat roaming loose, consider renting a house on a street
that’s removed from a heavily trafficked road.

Planning the move

Depending on how far you have to go and how you’re getting there, you may be using a pet carrier to transport
your animal. If so, start getting your pet used to the carrier as soon as possible, making it readily available with
a favorite toy or blanket inside. Once your pet sees the carrier as a safe haven, traveling in it on the big day
won’t seem as traumatic.

If traveling by plane, check pet travel policies on your airline of choice to see what restrictions they have and
to find out what paperwork and evidence of vaccinations you must provide — before making reservations.

Talk to your vet about whether your pet may need a sedative for more comfortable travel.

Also, consider getting your dog or cat groomed just before the trip so that nails are trimmed for the event.

Moving day

The day of the move is usually stressful for everyone involved, and your pet can pick up on all the expectant
energy in the air. Be sure to keep your routine as normal as possible, while keeping your voice and body
language as calm as you can. Plenty of affection and praise will assure your pet that nothing bad is happening.

Moving days also offer the opportunity for anxious pets to bolt out an open door. Choose a room in the home
you’re leaving and make it your pet’s base while everything is moved out. Make sure to keep the door closed
(warn friends and family members to do the same) and to supply your pet with food, water, a favorite toy
, and the crate, if you’re using one.

Depending on the size and duration of your move, you might want to board your dog at a kennel during
the tumult, and pick her up in time to get in the car or plane, en route to your new rental home.

When you arrive

Getting used to a new home can be as unsettling to a pet as leaving the old one. Keep your pet in his
crate or in a closed room until everything is moved in, and you can begin to create order. As with your exit
strategy, supply your pet with everything she will need upon arrival—familiar food/water bowls and favorite toys.
Now your pet can begin the process of exploring this new territory comfortably.

As you plan your move, begin making arrangements for your pet, too. Thoughtful preparation will make
the experience easier on the two of you and help ensure a happy move into your new home!